Instagram has established itself as one of the most powerful platforms for both small and large businesses to build presence and engage their customers. But to truly harness the platform's potential, it takes more than just pretty pictures and posts – it’s about being personal and authentic. For businesses, this means creating a presence that is not only visually appealing but also builds trust and creates real relationships with your followers.
Being personal, even on a business account, is one of the most effective ways to engage your audience and make them feel a genuine connection to your brand.
Content:
Instagram is a social platform where users interact with brands in a more personal way than on many other digital platforms. Your business may not have a personal identity, but by creating a human and authentic presence, you can build relationships that go far beyond traditional "sales" content. People follow businesses on Instagram not just to learn about their products or services, but because they want to feel a connection to the brand. By being personal and transparent, you can create that connection.
For businesses, this means an opportunity to showcase not only products but also values, company culture, and the people behind the business. By being genuine and human in your communication on Instagram, you strengthen your brand’s credibility and create a long-lasting relationship with your customers.
1. Build authenticity and trust
When businesses are personal in their communication, they create a sense of closeness and honesty. Instead of feeling like they are interacting with an anonymous company, your followers feel like they are talking to real people who care about their needs. This trust is invaluable in building a loyal customer base. It’s about being transparent in what the company stands for and showing the human side of the business.
2. Followers feel important and seen
When you’re personal in your content, you give your followers a sense that they’re not just part of a target audience – they are individuals you care about. Responding to comments, sharing customer stories, or giving followers a glimpse into your business's everyday life makes them feel like they are a part of the brand. This kind of interaction makes them feel valued, which creates stronger engagement and increases the likelihood they will return.
3. Strengthen customer loyalty and brand identity
By being personal and authentic, you create a stronger brand identity. Followers will feel they can relate to your business, which enhances loyalty. If customers feel they understand the company’s values and see those values reflected in everything from products to customer service, they are more likely to choose your brand over competitors.
4. Increase interaction and engagement
Instagram’s algorithm favors content that gets high interaction. When you create personal content that engages your followers – such as asking for their opinions, sharing their feedback, or giving them a behind-the-scenes look – your content is likely to receive more comments, likes, and shares. This leads to higher visibility on the platform and enables you to reach more potential customers.
5. Simplify communication and build community
A personal presence makes it easier for businesses to communicate directly with their customers in a meaningful way. Instagram offers the opportunity not only to post pictures and videos but also to engage through direct messages, Stories, and polls. By using these features to be more accessible and responsive to your customers’ needs, you build a strong community and increase customer engagement with your brand.
1. Be genuine in your communication
A personal brand is about being honest and transparent in everything you do. It’s important to create content that feels genuine and reflects the values your business stands for. This might include sharing stories about your company’s journey, showcasing the team behind the scenes, or highlighting feedback from your customers.
2. Create interactive content
To generate engagement and interaction on Instagram, use features like stories, polls, and Q&A sessions. This type of interactive content allows your followers to take part in the conversation and feel involved in your business journey. The more your followers engage, the more likely it is that your content will reach more people through Instagram’s algorithm.
3. Showcase your company’s culture and the people behind it
Followers love getting a peek into a company’s culture and the people who work there. Showcase your staff, highlight their talents, and share their stories. This creates a more human image of your company and allows followers to relate to the people behind the products or services they buy.
4. Respond to comments and engage with your community
Being personal means being accessible and active. When your followers comment on your posts or send messages, make sure to reply in a friendly and engaging way. This builds a sense of community and shows that you truly care about their opinions.
5. Optimize the use of hashtags for personal visibility
When using hashtags, try to include both popular and more niche ones that fit your target audience. It’s not just about being visible – it’s about finding the right people who will engage with your content. By choosing hashtags that resonate with your business philosophy or values, you can reach a more relevant audience that is interested in the personal and authentic side of your brand.
Instagram isn’t just about showcasing pretty pictures or promoting products. It’s about creating a personal and authentic presence that builds trust and long-term relationships with your customers. By being open, honest, and present on the platform, you create a sense of community that makes your followers feel valued and engaged.
For businesses, it’s essential to view your Instagram presence as more than just a marketing tool. It’s about building a brand that is human, relatable, and genuinely interested in communicating and interacting with your customers. With a personal, organic strategy on Instagram, your business will not only see higher engagement but also long-term success.
Curious to follow my journey? Stay tuned for upcoming posts where I’ll share experiences and lessons from my studies and internship!
TIPS:
/ Terese Popov - Marketing intern at TeQflo 🩷